Waiting For Grateful
I took Lisa-Jo up on her Friday Five Minute writing today. Her topic is "Grateful," which I am. And here's why, in five unedited minutes.
BEGIN.
He didn't wait. For that I'm grateful.
He lavished us with the rules, the commands, the protection for a lifetime. He metes out the blessings for obedience and the curses for rebellion. It seems harsh, but he's not just the ref with the rules all in his head. He's the coach with the compassionate heart, the one who teaches, protects, guides, hones us into what we never could be without him.
And he didn't wait for our gratitude. He did it for love. He crafted us and knows of our potential and loves us that much.
Enough to do the hard thing, the thankless job. He's the heavy with the "Thou shall nots." Even so, he's willing.
And after many years and meanderings through life, I begin to glimpse it — the love of his thankless way. And I begin to feel grateful.
That he didn't wait. That he loves forever. Always, even when I don't understand where he's leading. When I wring my hands instead of hold his. When I thought I knew better than He.
He didn't wait for my gratitude. It wasn't pre-requisite for his love.
But I give it freely now, rendered speechless by his unending impatience to woo me nearer, his never relenting in the face of my ever complaining.
He didn't wait, and I [am grateful.] (Last two words added after the timer.)
END.
8 comments
Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI must mimic Tracey!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! " He's the coach with the compassionate heart, the one who teaches, protects, guides, hones us into what we never could be without him."
What I could not be without Him.
Amazing, thank you!
Blessings
'He didn't wait for my gratitude. It wasn't pre-requisite for his love.' AMEN!!
ReplyDeletehi dawn!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post. i loved the "coach with
the compassionate heart." we asked our kids
to share about their favorite teacher or coach,
and they all said they appreciated a coach who
pushed them hard but cared as much.
i have been in the mountains and have not
been on my computer very much. this was
a treat . . . as always!
love,
lea
I absolutely love this--seriously. "He didn't wait for my gratitude. It wasn't pre-requisite for his love." For that I'm thankful too.
ReplyDeleteFound you by way of Five Minute Friday and so glad I did. I'm your newest follower :)
You must write best under pressure!
ReplyDeleteNope. I've just figured out how these 5 minute writings work for me. I choose which ones I do, topics I feel like tacking, and then I think about it before I begin to get a feel for what I want to say. Thanks, though.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Dawn. And this line -- He didn't wait for my gratitude -- that one hit me hard.
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